Definition of stupendousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous Between Sandoval’s 4 1/3 innings of one-run ball and a stupendous collective effort by the Boston bullpen, the Red Sox completed a 2-1 victory and series sweep of the White Sox in a brisk two hours and 32 minutes. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 9 July 2026 The Boston bullpen followed with stupendous collective effort, and in a timely two hours and 32 minutes, the Red Sox completed 2-1 victory for a series sweep of the White Sox. Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026 Since SpaceX’s stupendous debut, the math governing a potential union has improved substantially. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 22 June 2026 But once that stupendous on-screen chemistry between co-stars David Tennant and Michael Sheen kicks back in, the old magic shines through, strong as ever, giving us a fitting end to this beloved comic saga. ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • Such a contrast to the wonderful Bootham Crescent, York’s home until 2020 and within stumbling distance of not only the famous Minster but all the city’s many other attractions.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Stepping into the shoes of Steve McQueen is no easy feat, but Brosnan does so with style as Thomas Crown, a billionaire art thief who falls for the insurance investigator chasing him, played by the wonderful Rene Russo.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Sometimes, incredibly powerful space telescopes work together to accomplish amazing things.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Fans have been calling it the song of the summer, which has been so amazing for me as a new artist.
    McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Scheffler ended nearly seven months without winning, a season that has been marked by astonishing consistency but only one trophy to show for it from his season opener at The American Express in the California desert.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • That comparison makes all the more astonishing what Rosenwald was able to accomplish with his paltry few billion.
    Harold Pollack, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Morgan suffered a traumatic brain injury during the crash and was in the hospital for months, but has made a miraculous recovery.
    Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026
  • For buildings like Mount Gilead to be built and continue to prosper for over 100 years is a miraculous feat, Thompson said.
    Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • As noted previously, this is a marvelous time to enjoy the great outdoors.
    Ed Silverman, STAT, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Of course those are only two of the marvelous local crops on offer at both Breezy Willow and at our two local farmers’ markets — Tiber Park in the historic district and the Miller Library.
    Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Spot an incredible variety of wildlife, including sea lions, sea otters, porpoises, bald eagles and puffins.
    Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • What excited us about the Daisy Chain Reaction was the opportunity to give Olivia Rodrigo’s incredible community of fans that extra invitation to take that first step.
    Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Paying the balance may seem like the simplest way to deal with the issue, but sending money without understanding the debt's status could have surprising consequences.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The Lucky star, 68, caught up with PEOPLE about the Lucky series finale and the surprising decision that her criminal character makes during her final scenes of the Apple TV thriller.
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Offering stunning water views, a three-tier adult-only infinity pool has a swim-up bar, private cabanas, and hot tub.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The sisters looked rusty in a first-round match against Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns, losing 6-2, 1-6, 10-8, but came close to a stunning comeback in the deciding 10-point tiebreak.
    Ava Wallace, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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